There are five basic forms (formations or patterns) that are used to build chords on the guitar in the open position, they’re known as open C, open A, open G, open E, and open D. Placing these letters together, they spell CAGED. These shapes or formations can be applied to any scale or arpeggio and utilised as a manageable way of memorising, and navigating the fret board. It is important to note, that it is the position of the key or root notes in each fingering that determines the name and shape of each form. End to end these forms cover the entire fret board before repeating.

The next diagram details starting from different roots- the first C produces all C major chords following the CAGED sequence. The next diagram starts with an A root and the first open chord is A major using the “A shape – follow this diagram carefully and the next shape here is “G” so the next chord is A major – using the “G shape”. The next diagram starts with G major using the “G shape”, and followed by the “E shape” – G major chord. The next diagram then shows the E major chord using the “E shape, using the CAGED system the next E major chord along the fret board is made using the “D shape”. Finally the last diagram starts with D major using the “D shape”, this then is followed by the “C shape – D major chord.The important thing to note here is that there are two shapes that are formed using 6th string roots – E and G shapes, There are also two shapes that are formed using 5th string roots – C and A shapes, and finally one shape that uses 4th string roots – the D shape. It is also important to note that it is the root note that gives the chord is name – that is if using a “C shape” and the root is taken from the 5th fret on the 5th string, then this note is “D” the resulting chord is D major.This system can be applied to all derivatives of every basic chord, both major and minor, it can also be applied to scales that are formed around each shape.

using the CAGED system provides an easily recognisable reference point for all chords, scales, and arpeggios, if this system is combined with a basic knowledge of chord harmony, and a knowledge of the notes along the guitar fret board. The CAGED system can unlock and expand your knowledge of the entire guitar fret board, giving an all visual approach to understanding the logic of the fret board.

Understanding the CAGED system will mean that all the guess work is removed when playing solos, improvising over chord changes, and complimenting what other musicians are playing. The CAGED system also serves as a tool for developing creative ideas, applying the CAGED system does not mean that you need to play complete and entire chords, partial chords along with scale tones, and melody notes, will provide endless material, and harmonic ideas that will very quickly expand your playing.

The CAGED system is what many of the professionals use when creating melodic and song structuring ideas.